Hello, my name is Oladeji Oluwaseun Emmanuel, I am a Nigerian. I moved from Nigeria to Finland in the autumn of 2021 and now I am studying nursing at Lapland University Of Applied Sciences, Kemi campus.

Studying nursing at the Lapland University of Applied sciences has been a dream come true for me. In my search for a new study place and career I wanted a programme that has a rich cultural diversity and that is in a country with world-class facilities and a dedication to health promotion, technology driven development, climate awareness and ultimately improved living for people. Lapland UAS Nursing degree ticked all my boxes and more.

During my application I interacted with the teachers and from the university website I understood the goal and vision of the university. I understood instantly that the programme is dedicated to using best available research results and resources to develop world class nurses, and improve the health system in Finland, the Nordic, and the world at large.

My previous academic degree, BSc Biochemistry, gave a foundation in basic medical science, and this has made settling into my new studies easier. I particular love the curriculum of the nursing degree, it has a good blend of Finnish language and nursing for international students to start learning about Finnish language and culture from the first year, and a good number of practical trainings spread across the different academic years. The teachers have been very efficient in bringing students closer to achieving their course expectations through detailed lecture materials, group assignments, independent study and assignments.

The academic study skills course has helped me understand information retrieval from the library and how to use diverse academic resources in making essays and learning diary. The digital library has diverse databases and they are also available in english for international students. The physical library is an ambient environment with adequate use of technology in sorting of books and materials and I particularly find the contactless borrowing and returning of books very amusing.

I recommend Lapland UAS and my Nursing degree at Kemi campus because it is an ambient academic environment, located close to nature and still very much close to the city, with a lot to enjoy from the restaurant to the gym and much that can still be added. Also, I appreciate the availability of state-of-the-art nursing facilities to help build a 21st century nurse, simulation classes and teachers with decades of academic and clinical experience in nursing, dentistry, internal medicine, and surgery amongst them.

The international nursing program has students drawn from all over the world, a rich blend of different culture, ethics, and knowledge base to work with and learn from. Student tutors are available to help you settle into your studies fast and help when you are having a problem.
The student union organizes culturally rich program and offer services that are covered by the student union fee, I especially love staying at the student union living room where there’s free coffee, games and relaxation spots for students.

The practical training and internship placement are provided by the school and supervised by teachers to ensure that the students settle into work life comfortably. These are opportunities for student to understand the work-life as a nurse and gain practical experience.
Extra-Curricular activities in Finnish Lapland includes ice skating, visit to the famous Santa-Claus village in Rovaniemi, snow castles, northern light hunting etc. Kemi however small is strategically located to easy visit in other big cities like Oulu, Rovaniemi, and you also get to visit Sweden through the border in the neighboring Tornio town.

Studying in Lapland UAS, rated as one of the best UAS in Finland is an amazing experience everyone should have. Come and experience northern excellence!

Emmanuel, Nursing student 

I am a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Philippines. Choosing to study nursing again at Lapland UAS which offers a different kind of educational system based on Finnish Education program is definitely a choice to make to be able to work as a nurse and learn the Finnish healthcare system on a first-hand basis. Moreover, nursing graduates from Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences are recognize as nurses in other members of EU. For me, getting back to school is a win-win situation.

I moved in Northern Finland in 2016, and at that time I was working as a nurse assistant in a nursing home. Since moving, it took me a while for me to be familiar with the Finnish culture, weather, language and working life. 2018, when I decided to apply for the nursing degree in Finland having English Language as the mode of teaching and got accepted in Lapland UAS as my study place. Before the start of the official Autumn semester, there were entrance test and interview session with the potential students as part of the screening process of the school. Since I am living and working in Kemi, it was a big advantage on my part having the study place in the same city. In my opinion, Kemi´s location is a good place to stay not just for living but for studies as well. Kemi is located 100 kms. in between Oulu and Rovaniemi. To add, the border of Finland and Sweden is just 25 km. away, so it´s another opportunity to visit the neighbouring country. Basically, transportation is not a problem because buses and trains are always available and most of the people go by bike.

In my opinion, studying in Lapland UAS is a personal discretion. Meaning, I get to arranged and make my study plans for the whole semester personally with the help and guidance of the teachers. Planning my studies ahead of time boost my sense of responsibility and accountability towards finishing my degree. The step by step process in study planning made my studies easier to understand and helped me focus on the courses included in the nursing program. Also, through this personal study planning, working is possible to do while studying. There were challenges along my journey at school but overall, studying in Lapland UAS offers a student friendly approach.

In nursing program, studies consist mainly of lectures & discussion, practical exercises, seminars and training camps. These set of activities are done according to schedules. Also, teachers do not play the role as traditional teachers anymore, but nowadays they served as Guiding teachers and instructors. In most cases before the start of the semester, teachers provide the list of studies and tasks through moodle environment throughout the semester. Doing this approach, helps the students to be prepared about what kind of task and studies they need to undergo throughout the semester and provides time for clarification and questions if it is needed. Studying is Lapland UAS is very conventional. Before the pandemic started the school has been utilizing virtual classrooms where online classes is held.

The best thing for me while studying in Lapland UAS, is they care about the student´s improvement, student´s feedback and overall experience all throughout the semester. Teachers are openminded to hear and set the table for discussion regarding the implementation and success of the courses implemented. The faculties of Lapland UAS are very supportive and always ready for change focusing on creating a study environment which is effective and reliable.

Part of the nursing degree program, students are required to go to practical trainings every semester. These trainings help the students gain a better idea and understanding about the working life of a healthcare provider in Finland. During practical trainings, students are guided towards their professional improvement as future nurses through conducting mid- evaluation and final evaluation together with the guiding instructor and guiding teacher. Moreover, students can have potential job offer opportunities after their completion. As students accomplished more practical trainings, their number of school credits also increases which allows them to work starting from being a nurse assistant, practical nurse to becoming nurse substitute. Practical trainings prepare the nursing students for their future by increasing their confidence in using the Finnish language and expanding their professional network. In my case, I worked my way up from working as a nurse assistant to becoming nurse in a nursing home. The gradual increase of my working position has helped me to prepare myself for bigger responsibilities required at work.

Studying nursing is not just a wise choice to make since the work opportunities will always be available. Future nursing students should remember and consider that this is a good opportunity to develop our nursing skills connecting with vulnerable people, family or even community. This is a chance to understand our well-being and provide impact to the society as healthcare provider.

Living in Lapland while studying is a good opportunity to experience solemnity and witness the beauty of nature. It´s an opportunity to enjoy life away from the current standards we live in this world. Students can focus with their goals and studies, while harnessing their personal attributes by generating positive vibes from the majestic views Lapland can offer. True enough Lapland has extreme cold season during winter, nevertheless the beauty of extremeness can be witnessed in every season all throughout the year.

- Marie Lagundi, Nursing student -

I am a Vietnamese girl and I am studying International Nursing program in Kemi, Finland. Choosing Finland as a studying abroad destination is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Finland has fulfilled all of my study requirements as well as expectation. For example, Finland has marvelous education system which is one of the best in the world and studying in Finland is affordable. Even though international students have to pay tuition fees, there are still opportunities for grants, tuition fee exemption and high possibility to find a job while studying.

While studying Nursing in Lapland UAS, I am able to approach different subjects with various studying methods and learning environments. There are usually theory lectures at first so that every student can acquire fundamental knowledge and principles. Then theories are converted into practice with simulation class and workshop.

It is grateful that students receive a great deal of support from school, Lapland UAS, in finding and arranging practical training places. Besides that, there are also some language courses such as Finnish, German or Spanish. This helps us to prepare ourselves to work in environments where not everyone can speak fluent English.

During my study time in Finland, I have a lot of help and support from school, teachers and friends. I have met a lot of international students and exchange students from all over the world. This gives me a better chance to get to know more about their countries, culture and hence, I have more respect and open-mindedness to other people.

While living in Lapland area, I have many opportunities to visit famous places such as Santa Clause village, Arctic Museum or Snow Castle. I can also participate in many activities like sauna, ice-skating, fly-fishing and other interesting activities organized by school or student union.

Studying in Lapland UAS and living in Finland are worthy experiences in my life. I can not only develop my professional skills but also enjoy the life and nature in this beautiful country.

Come, experience and enjoy your study life here!

Thao Le, Vietnam

My name is Evelyne Fungai Chikukwa and I am a second-year nursing student studying at Lapland UAS. I’m from Zimbabwe. From childhood I have always wanted to be a nurse because I felt that the nursing profession helps people in ways you cannot do so as an ordinary person. Due to this when I heard from friends and other family members that Lapland UAS offered a nursing degree for international students I knew instantly that this school would be for me.

One of the reasons I chose Finland was because a lot of research has shown that Finland education is one of the best in the world. Also, Lapland UAS as a university offers affordable tuition for international students which is not the same compared to other European universities. Everyone in Lapland UAS seems to be nice and friendly, the lecturers, my classmates and other students. Everyone seems to be eager to help when you are in need of help so that you do not feel out of place.

The fact that the school takes in a small number of students in every group makes it easier for you as a student to get enough attention from your teachers and they can support you. Moreover, at school we do lot of group work, which helps in developing of our group dynamics for our future profession as nurses, since the nursing profession requires good teamwork skills.

I also think studying in a multi-cultural group helps you prepare for the future, since the nursing profession is highly diversified and you get to meet different people from different cultures with different needs and expectations. I also like that teachers at Lapland UAS are involved in students’ lives and they try to make our studies worthwhile by not focusing on the educational aspects but also on the social and emotional aspects. The school organizes a lot of events and fun activities for students so that they have a social life outside school. This way, students get refreshed occasionally so that when they come back to school their minds are not strained and they are well relaxed.

One good thing about the nursing profession is that it is always on demand due to fact that the healthcare system is always evolving. As a result, when you graduate you can easily get employment. Some, if not all, nursing students start working part time during their holidays. This helps students earn extra income, gain new work experience and prepare students for their future profession.

When I first came to Finland I experienced my fair share of cultural shock. With time, I have come to adjust due to the help of my teacher’s and friends and other students to the extent that I can safely say Kemi, Finland is now my home and I really like my experiences here.

I have learned many things ever since I came to Finland and this helps and motivates me to keep learning new things and highlight what I already know. I think studying in a foreign country challenges you to leave your comfort zone and help you to become a better person. For that reason, I would recommend to come and study in Lapland since I am enjoying and loving my experiences.

Although Kemi is a small town there is always a lot of things to do and as a student you can easily get by since everything is next to each other. Since Kemi is in the northern part of Finland the winter season has its own fun share of activities you can do, like ice-skating, swimming in the frozen lakes and visiting the snow castle, which is a very popular tourist attraction. For all those nature lovers you get to experience the beautiful forests in Kemi which are very refreshing and during the winter season you get to see the famous northern lights. You can also visit neighbouring cities such as Tornio and Rovaniemi.

Evelyne Fungai Chikukwa, Zimbabwe

I am Chinese, an international school ambassador and I am studying in Bachelor of Health Care, Nursing at Lapland UAS in Kemi.

The partner school connection between China and Finland made me be the lucky one to study in this school. In our study place, we have different kind of studying facilities, including school libraries, simulation room and language courses that help us to improve our professional knowledge, plan our study process and get to know the world.

During study years, I am able to go exchange in other European countries for studying or training period. Before I go to exchange I can get the chance to learn the local cultures and different languages through an elective course. Our school have organized colourful multiculture activies to help us to get familiar with the new environment and enjoy our free time.

As school studying method is in small groups, each student is taken good care of, both in studies and in student’s life. Teachers are patient and helpful, they always are there to help us.

While studying in Lapland area, one is able to witness the colorful northern lights, travel around the whole Scandinavia area and get the chance to experience the best education in the world. Come and study with the Arctic view in Lapland UAS!

Xing Qianni, China

My name is Olayiwola Olabisi Rukayat. I am from Nigeria and I am currently studying Nursing in Lapland university of Applied sciences in Kemi.

School has made the practical training very easy because they look for you a hospital for the job placement unlike other UAS do in Finland. The school gives chances for adequate Finnish language skills in order to communicate effectively during the practical training.
Lapland UAS gives everything that is needed to succeed as a nursing student, activities in the workshop regularly and stimulation area prepares me for working professionally in the future.
Also, I have gained lots of knowledge. For example, working as a group/team. Respecting and understanding each individual's cultural belief, values and also building a very good interpersonal relationship with everyone now and during work-life in future.

Kemi is a tourism city, for this reason people in the city are very accommodating and welcoming. In addition, I am very delighted that I am living in the same region with Santa Claus!
There are so many activities to perform during winter like ice-skating, ice-fishing, going to sauna and also the possibility of seeing northern lights; they are very beautiful :)

I have acquired more confidence in myself for choosing Lapland UAS as my school and I believe my future will be great because I am in the best university in Finland. Come and experience the best education and nature.

Sairaanhoitajan ammatti on ollut minulle kutsumus. Olen muista töistä aina palannut takaisin hoitotyön pariin. Henkilökohtaisella tasolla se tuntuu tärkeältä ja muu työ, niin merkityksellistä kuin se onkin, tuntuu tyhjältä ja vähemmän tärkeältä. Minulle mielekästä on toisen ihmisen auttaminen, ja saan siitä ammatillista tyydytystä. Yläasteajoista lähtien olen tehnyt vapaaehtoistyötä ihmisten parissa ja se on johdattanut minut hoitoalalle. Sosiaalisen luonteeni takia ihmisten kanssa työskentely tuntuu omalta. Suomessa opin kaikki asiat kahdella kielellä, sillä käytännön harjoittelussa käytän suomea suomalaisten potilaiden ja hoitajien kanssa, ja koulussa opin kaiken englanniksi. Opiskelu tuntui aluksi vaikealta, mutta englantiin opiskelukielenä tottui aika nopeasti. Yksin ei ole tarvinnut koskaan jäädä kielitaidonkaan vuoksi, koska meillä Kemissä opiskelijatoiminta on aktiivista. Opiskelu monikulttuurisessa ryhmässä on antoisaa, opettavaista ja mukavaa. Olen luokkani ainoa suomalainen.

Vieraalla kielellä opiskelua ei kannata pelätä. Peruskielitaito riittää aluksi ja opiskellessa oppii koko ajan lisää. Jos on tavoitteena lähteä ulkomaille töihin, englanninkielisellä tutkinnolla se on huomattavasti helpompaa, kun kielitaito on kehittynyt opiskeluiden aikana. Suosittelisin suomalaisiakin hakeutumaan englanninkielisiin opintoihin, koska kielitaidosta on hyötyä myös kotimaassa siinä vaiheessa, kun hakeutuu töihin. Halusin ehdottomasti alalle, josta voi työllistyä, joten sairaanhoitoala oli myös sen takia hyvä valinta. Olen tehnyt koko opiskeluajan sijaisuuksia ja keikkoja vanhainkodeissa ja kotihoidossa.

Sairaanhoitajan koulutusohjelmaan sisältyy kursseja liittyen anatomiaan, fysiologiaan, lääkehoitoon sekä kaikenikäisten ihmisten hoitotyöhön eri osastoilla. Oppiminen on tapahtunut luennoilla, ryhmätöillä, esseillä ja esitelmillä. Suurin ja tärkein osa oppimisesta tapahtuu kuitenkin harjoitteluissa. Esimerkiksi kanylointia ei voi opetella kirjasta lukemalla, vaan harjoittelemalla oikeiden potilaiden kanssa. Meillä on loistavat mahdollisuudet Lapin AMKissa suorittaa harjoittelut myös ulkomailla. Olen itse suunnitellut Keniaa tai Intiaa, mutta en ole vielä lähettänyt papereita eteenpäin.
Sairaanhoitajan koulutus antaa loistavat valmiudet työelämää varten. Opintokokonaisuudet ovat käytännönläheisiä, hyödyllisiä, mielenkiintoisia ja sisältävät teoriaopintojen lisäksi paljon ryhmätöitä ja käsillä tekemistä.

Haaveissani on ollut järjestötyöskentely ulkomaiden katastrofialueilla, esimerkiksi Punaisen Ristin kautta. Englanninkielinen sairaanhoitajaksi opiskelu on yksi askel eteenpäin tässä tavoitteessa. Olen sitä mieltä, että kaiken voi saavuttaa, jos on valmis tekemään töitä haaveidensa eteen.


- Johanna Kristo, Nursing

Olen aina halunnut työskennellä terveydenhuollon parissa ja koin, että sairaanhoitajan työ saattaisi sopia minulle, sillä saisin työskennellä ihmisten parissa ja alalla varmasti riittäisi töitä. Opintojen suorittaminen englanniksi takaa hyvät mahdollisuudet työllistyä myös Suomen ulkopuolella ja tulevaisuudessa haluaisinkin suunnata ulkomaille töihin ainakin joksikin aikaa. Tämän vuoksi valitsin englannin kielisen koulutuksen suomenkielisen sijaan ja olen aiemminkin opiskellut englanniksi lukion vaihtovuoden aikana Yhdysvalloissa. Lapin AMKiin päädyin opiskelemaan oikeastaan sen vuoksi, että se sopi sijainniltaan parhaiten sen hetkiseen elämäntilanteeseeni. Lukion kävin Torniossa, joten muutto Kemiin opintojen perässä oli helppoa ja asunnot olivat paljon halvempia kuin Etelä-Suomessa.

Tähänastinen opiskelu on ollut mielestäni yllättävän helppoa. Odotin tiukkaa ja kiireistä aikataulua, mutta kursseja ei ole ollut kauhean paljoa, sillä opintoihin on kuulunut myös itsenäistä opiskelua. Opintojen alkaessa syksyllä ei ollut niin paljoa alaan liittyviä kursseja vaan enemmänkin kursseja jotka liittyivät ryhmähengen nostattamiseen ja Suomen kulttuurin oppimiseen. Lisäksi opiskelu koostui paljolti perusopinnoista, joihin kuului muun muassa kieliopinnot (suomi, ruotsi ja englanti). Pääsimme kuitenkin joulun aikaan jo yhdellä kurssilla harjoittelemaan toisillamme yksinkertaisia sairaanhoidon toimenpiteitä. Kevätlukukaudella opinnot ovat olleet enemmän alaan liittyviä kuten esimerkiksi anatomy & physiology, internal medicine ja lääkelaskuja. Mitä pidemmälle opinnoissa mennään, sitä enemmän on alaan liittyviä opintoja.

Opinnoissa on paljon ryhmä- ja paritöitä kontaktituntien lisäksi. Lukujärjestyksessä on myös itsenäistä opiskelua. Haastavinta opinnoissa on ollut se, että uutta opiskeltavaa asiaa on paljon ja eri lähteistä on osattava suodattaa vain se tarpeellinen tieto. Mukavinta puolestaan on ollut uuden oppiminen ja tekeminen sekä erilaiset simulaatio ja harjoittelutilanteet koulussa. Verikokeiden otto, rokotusten ja kanyylin laitto luokkakavereille on ollut ehdottomasti mieleenpainuva ja eräs parhaista kokemuksista Lapin AMKissa.

Vaikka lähteekin opiskelemaan englanninkielellä, niin omasta englannista ei kannata olla huolissaan. Mielestäni perusenglannilla pärjää jo pitkälle ja aina voi kysyä jos ei ymmärrä. Luokallani on reilu 20 oppilasta ja heistä vain kaksi puhuu englantia äidinkielenään. Kaikki tekevät virheitä, mutta niistä ei kannata olla huolissaan. Opettajat ovat pääsääntöisesti suomalaisia, joten heidänkään äidinkielensä ei ole englanti ja aina on mahdollisuus kysyä asioita myös suomeksi. Opiskeltaessa englanniksi sanavarasto karttuu koko ajan ja kielen käyttäjänä tulee entistä itsevarmemmaksi ajan myötä. Ensimmäiset esitelmät englanniksi voivat luonnollisesti jännittää mutta on hyvä muistaa, että kaikki ovat täällä oppimassa ja kukaan ei ole seppä syntyessään.

Suosittelisin nursing – opintoja muille, sillä opintojen jälkeen työllistymismahdollisuudet ovat hyvät sekä Suomessa että ulkomailla. Opiskeltaessa englanniksi ammattisanaston oppii kahdella kielellä (omalla äidinkielellä sekä englanniksi) ja se on vaan etu työnhaussa. Opinnot ovat suhteellisen nopeat (3,5 vuotta), eikä alalta tule työt loppumaan.

Henna Merenheimo, Nursing

I come from China and I am studying for a bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Lapland UAS in Kemi.

I am really glad that I got the chance to come to study at Lapland UAS. In our campus in Kemi all kinds of studying facilities in the field of nursing are available, and the school library provides excellent literature resources.

Teachers are very friendly and whenever I need help there will always be some warm hands to assist me. Because of the studying method in small groups, the teachers are able to support student individually.

The best in Lapland UAS, however, are the rich and colorful free time activities arranged by our school. Every year there are two or three big celebrations which bring all the Lapland UAS students together and share happiness.

The reason why I chose nursing are the wonderful job prospects. Nowadays there is a great need for nurses all around the world and I’m sure after my education here I can find a job easily.

If you are seeking for a great studying environment and get along within Finnish culture I warmly recommend that you should come to Lapland.


Xu Mengyang, China

My name is Heath Nhandara, I am from Zimbabwe. Now you must wonder how in the earth I end up from Zimbabwe into Lapland?! Well, I had passion for nursing when I was still doing my High school education. Then I found out about Nursing education in Finland from my aunt in England, and then I chose to apply and considered Lapland University of Applied Sciences as part of my choices of University because I wanted to know and experience life and education in the 'Northern Factor'. I was not familiar with Lapland or Finland before applying for the school.

The subjects that I like the most are:
1. Anatomy and Physiology because it’s a course that makes me have a better appreciation/ understanding of the human body and diseases associated. It also helps a student to come to know what kind of diet is suitable to keep oneself in good shape both inside and outside. You learn the best methods to live a healthy life and prevent certain diseases that come because of a sedentary lifestyle. Actually, in this course you can learn that there are many different factors related to healthy life.

2. Fundamentals of Nursing and Nursing Interventions, I like this course because it gives a student (layperson) the basics and basic hand skills, nursing interventions that health care professionals can include in the nursing care of the patient(s). It also teaches a nursing student to view a patient a whole (holistic approach), not just the disease of problem being dealt with.

Nursing is a profession that really offers many opportunities in terms of employment as the health care needs are increasing every day. It also gives a leeway for career growth/advancement in research and development as these impacts on the wellbeing of the society at a global scale. It also gives opportunities to learn in a multi-cultural environment where you get to know more about different nationalities and different cultures, which can also be a good preparatory environment to break a new ground by working anywhere in the world without fear of cultural barriers and/shock.

Studying in International Nursing degree programme gets me exposed to a multi-cultural setup, hence built confidence and strength to work with anyone as one of the learning methods (group work) thrives to develop teamwork and not individualism. Lapland University of Applied Sciences is in Finland, a country ranked amongst the top 5 countries with best education. So getting a Lapland UAS degree qualification, I will be already a “hot cake”; the global market is already waiting for me. I am sure my studies will help me in my future. Lapland UAS thrives to groom competent graduates who are equipped in every sphere of the nursing care, research and development.

Lapland UAS gives room to students to be in control of their studies. It promotes independence, which makes students to develop a sense of responsibility that is a key element in the nursing profession. Lapland UAS is an environment that fosters growth and development in one's career path as well as in life in general. Other thing I like about Lapland UAS is that is located in the northern parts of Finland where the environment is quiet and peaceful. 


- Heath Nhandara, Nursing student